is now this. A fantastic wall piece for displaying my newly started photo collection. A little paint, a little nail and there you have it. $15.00 total cost. And if you think you're seeing those shoes, those gorgeous goldenrod shoes, you'd be right. I realized last evening that one of the things I loved most about the etsy items I blog about is their product shots so I asked permission, sized each photograph to my own satisfaction, printed them out and here they are. One of my favorite diyds ever! Seriously, some of the items for sale should also offer a print of the product photo for sale as well. Some of my favorites are from sunshinecitylassie, deadbirdsfinds, seaglassvintage, petaline, and bluebellbazaar. Check them out and see for yourself.

trying not to hyperventilate over these new shades from etsy seller drawflowers. I know they're expensive, but being a lover of patterned shades these are just delicious. A girl can window shop, right?

Okay, not quite the same thing, but close enough. An octopus for every taste and budget.

First, an octopus design embossed on museum paper from Alaska native artist Edward Raub. Each high quality print is done by hand and is sold un-matted and unframed. 13 x 11 for $40.00. Go here to place order.

So lately I've been considering making a quilt. I find the art form fascinating and would love to try my hand at making some completely wacky, out there, totally tripping pattern, never mind the fact that I can't sew.

As a result I've been googling around, looking at some of the great works of art created by some of the greatest quilt makers around. Ian Hundley is on the top of my list. I came across his work via Dear Ada (who, by the way, has impeccable taste in art) and I instantly fell in love...with his work, of course. I want this quilt!

I really enjoyed Domino's August issue. Reading all of the do's and don'ts and the designers personal tricks and inspirations was quite enlightening. It contained loads of useful advice.

One of Stephen Gambrel's styling tricks is to display collections of similar objects, like amber glass in different shapes. Similar to this arrangement by Richard Anderson and Candra Scott (photo by Randall Koll).

before it's gone in the next hour you might want to check out this side chair from tsandcompanydesign. Current bid is $9.99 with shipping estimated around $79.00. Just picture it reupholstered in this beautiful Spring Garden fabric from Galbraith & Paul, or anything similar. It would be knockout for sure.

Pottery Barn is willing to sell you one. I'm sort of digging these new vintage looking hands available at Pottery Barn Teen for $25.00. An interesting way to keep up with one's jewelry, or possibly just to use as decoration. I can envision a set of three atop a credenza. What would be even better? To paint them. Orange? Pink? Yellow? Neat!

Julieta had asked about a kitchen rug, but I just couldn't find the right fit, until now. This Cozy Chenille Rug from Pottery Barn Teen in green has just the right feel and the perfect colors. Not to mention, it's on sale ! the 2' x 3' for $59.99 or the 3' x 5' for $154.99. Enjoy!

I only know you go by Jules because I read the Julian snafu. Since I also go by Jules, I remembered the nickname.

So, I know the last thing you want is another kitchen, but I've been in back splash/design purgatory for 1.5 years. We started the remodel when I was practicing as an attorney. Mid-way through the remodel I decided to stop practicing to stay at home with our son (we now have a new baby, also a boy). Because of my sudden career change, our plans/budget for the kitchen changed. Needless to say, the cork floors we wanted were quickly replaced with VCT (commercial grade vinyl tiles you see in supermarkets, Target, etc.), the window treatments were what we could find at Target, and my decorative corner cabinets remained empty. All this knowing that once we regrouped we could finish these last pieces to our liking.

The back splash? We just can't decide. Any ideas? We planned on subway tiles. This is an older home and we tried to keep the kitchen fairly traditional to flow with the architecture of the house and contrast that with modern accessories and fabrics. My goal was to have a kitchen that looked like warm cookies and a glass of milk--a place for our boys to create fond memories of their childhood.

The before picture is from the week we moved into the house. The "after" picture was taken in the dead of winter, so it is darker than usual. That said, we're still considering changing the wall color to a simple creme to add more light due to northern exposure. The vintage tablecloth we no longer use, and any other accessory you see can be replaced.

I know you've already done kitchens, so my feelings won't be hurt if you tell me to pound sand. Well, maybe they will be a *teensy* bit hurt if you say it like that! :)

All the best,Jules

First of all, don't let Julieta fool you. She's definitely creative in her own right as shown by the amazing progress she's already made on her kitchen (See the before and after photos below) not to mention her great way with verse via The Poem Company. A great source for original invitations with a little rogue custom poetry.

I love the fact Julieta uses a tablecloth in her kitchen and wanted to find the perfect fit. This wasn't hard to do. Anthropologie has covered all the bases. I love this damask stripe tablecloth in neutral for $58.00.